IXYS HISTORY
Diminishing natural resources, demand for cheap clean electricity and an environmental drive for energy efficiency were the leading reasons for the foundation of IXYS, and today, contribute to the growing demand for IXYS' products. IXYS has become the pioneer in advanced power MOSFETs and IGBTs for power management, energy efficiency and medical electronics, namely defibrillators.
Dr. Nathan Zommer, IXYS Chairman and CEO, founded IXYS Corporation (NASDAQ: IXYS) in 1983 in Santa Clara, CA, known as Silicon Valley. Seed capital was provided by a legendary group of Silicon Valley venture capitalists led by Adler & Co. The name IXYS was derived from the goal of “Integrated Control SYStems”, (ICSYS), and as Dr. Zommer said, “We integrated first our name, the ‘C’ and the ‘S’ with the letter X, and continue to integrate power and control as the technology for the future.” 1983 was a prolific year in Silicon Valley’s history, with numerous start ups, yet IXYS was unique in its focus on power and energy, and was one of only a few power semiconductor companies that were founded with the “fabless" concept. Dr. Zommer also pioneered the concept of utilizing advanced CMOS IC manufacturing foundries to produce high power and high voltage power semiconductors.
IXYS quickly differentiated itself from other power semiconductor companies by establishing a product portfolio of higher performance, innovative high efficiency, high power MOSFETs and IGBTs, with numerous patents for design and process. In 1989, IXYS provided the advanced power MOSFETS for the development of the General Motors' Impact electric car that became the historic EV1, a legacy being re-played now with the return of the electric car.
A Silicon Valley visionary, IXYS identified the need for ‘green energy’ or energy efficient products decades ahead of its competitors; the company continues to address this burgeoning market from the power semiconductor perspective.
IXYS grew overseas with a global vision in mind by acquiring and growing a specialized power bipolar wafer fab and assembly operation in Germany in 1989. Since then its global reach expanded to the United Kingdom, Korea, Taiwan and in more locations in the USA. IXYS became a NASDAQ-listed public company in 1998, and currently has headquarters in Milpitas, CA and Biel, Switzerland.
Today IXYS owns four wafer fabs within its operations; three facilities employ silicon technology, and one is GaAs RF based, with an additional dedicated DCB power substrate manufacturing line. IXYS' wafer fabs utilize unique advanced high voltage processes that are not available in typical foundries.
IXYS' wide range of products are embedded in industrial automation, motor controls, telecommunication systems, electric trains, electric cars, elevators, medical imaging systems, defibrillators, power supplies and UPS, appliances, consumer products, alarm systems, airplanes and more. Backed by divisions Clare Inc. and Zilog, IXYS expanded its control IC offerings to complement its growing power semiconductor business; today, IXYS offers mixed signal ICs, HVICs and legendary MCUs.
IXYS was recognized as one of the 100 fastest growing technology companies by Business 2.0 magazine, and was named one of the 15 most innovative companies by the State of California. Deloitte and Touche named IXYS as one of the "Silicon Valley Technology Fast 50" in 2006, and is ranked annually in the top 100 companies of Silicon Valley.
With $380 million in annual revenues, IXYS continues to execute on its long-standing strategic initiatives -- backed by its founder, seasoned management team and shareholders. Today, IXYS has a growing, diversified product portfolio, which includes power MOSFETs, IGBTs, bipolar power semiconductors, BCDMOS SOI high voltage ICs, RF MMICs, amplifiers, mixed signal ICs, microcontrollers and systems.
